Scrubbers....How do you scrub them off?????

I keep seeing the term "scrubber", and as I'm sampling I'm definitely understanding the urge to thoroughly wash something off. Like the one I just tried, which is making me feel queasy and bringing on a headache. I'm trying to expand my olfactory horizons, but this is what has made me so chicken about trying new stuff out in the past.

Re: Scrubbers....How do you scrub them off?????

Very hot (not scalding) shower with steam, unscented nonsoap cleanser almost always works for me. Using a sponge or skin brush instead of a cloth or loofah causes less irritation and addresses the problem area for scent: the very surface.

Applying any kind of specially announced "Unscented" product to the area then washing it off with warm water often works, as the unscented substance absorbs the scent--unscented deodorant stick applied to the area then rinsed repeatedly is a good bet.

If a stubborn scent: witch hazel on a cotton pad or soaking in a salt or oatmeal bath.

Granted, it might help to note I have oily skin that eats up fragrances to their base very quickly. Patchouli is the only thing that lingers more than twelve hours. But if we're talking instant-scrubbers that need to come off right away, the above methods worked immediately for me.

Re: Scrubbers....How do you scrub them off?????

When I was compounding incense, there was the occasional spill of an essential oil on my skin. Stinky, yes, but also a potential dermal irritant. I'd keep a little bottle of almond oil on hand and pour a few drops on the spill to dilute it, wipe with tissue, and repeat four or five times. Then lots of hot water and liquid soap--soap first, then hot water. That worked well enough, but skin is surprisingly porous, so things must sometimes just dissipate on their own.

Re: Scrubbers....How do you scrub them off?????

Re: Scrubbers....How do you scrub them off?????

Originally Posted by cameron

soap and water works for me

I was surprised when L'instant de Guerlain Extreme didn't come off with soap and water. I thoroughly scrubbed my wrist in the afternoon and I could still smell it later that night at around 11pm. Incredible longevity - must've been well over 16 hours!

Re: Scrubbers....How do you scrub them off?????

If soap and water doesn't do the trick, a little alcohol will. WINE!!! MMMmmmmmmm, wine!!! ...no, no no. I mean plain old rubbing alcohol. I have a bottle of Johnson & Johnson's first aid something or other that's mostly alcohol, and it really does the trick when soap fails.

Re: Scrubbers....How do you scrub them off?????

Originally Posted by impdaddee

When I was compounding incense, there was the occasional spill of an essential oil on my skin. Stinky, yes, but also a potential dermal irritant. I'd keep a little bottle of almond oil on hand and pour a few drops on the spill to dilute it, wipe with tissue, and repeat four or five times. Then lots of hot water and liquid soap--soap first, then hot water. That worked well enough, but skin is surprisingly porous, so things must sometimes just dissipate on their own.

A spill of fresh civet was especially repulsive.

Guerlain Jicky! I could not run to the washroom any faster to get that off. Even after using soap twice and scrubbing my skin off I was left with a smell of rubber and tar. That is some strong stuff.

Re: Scrubbers....How do you scrub them off?????

This is a bit like sandpaper, but a good tip for getting the smell of onions off your hands is to rub in some salt and then wash with cold water. It works really well, so wondering if this would also work for perfume.

I had my first 'scrubber' the other day, it was a perfume from a very prestigious perfume house and couldn't believe that i wanted to get rid of this smell but it was too overpowering and too 'plastic', so used soap and water, didn't work. A microscopic amount had also gone onto my clothes so also had to smell this scent until I changed clothes.

My husband thought my use of the word 'scrubber' was hilarious!!! He doesn't look up perfume reviews that much...

Re: Scrubbers....How do you scrub them off?????

There is a lot of stuff in a fragrance that isn't water soluble, but oil soluble. What I do if I want to remove a nasty smell is to rub my hands with a little cooking oil (Canola, Corn or Sunflower), then wash them in the usual way. Gets more off the skin than just soap and water alone.

Re: Scrubbers....How do you scrub them off?????

Interesting thread, but totally relevant. I've found I'm scrubbing a lot of (sampled) scents off these days.

I think from those options already mentioned the most ideal is to take a shower, but also to remember to wash any clothes that may have been 'infected' by the scent. No point in taking a shower and then wearing the same clothes on top as the fragrance will simply linger!

Re: Scrubbers....How do you scrub them off?????

First step: wash with soap and hot water. If that isn't enough, I put some deodorant on the area where I sprayed the scent (usually test on my arms), wait five seconds and then repeat the first step. If that is still not enough (hypnotic poison!), I dab on/keep a cotton wad soaked in diluted acetic acid on the spot for a bit (dont do this if you are sensitive to acetic acid), then wash again. To remove a scent that still lingers after the above steps: a long hot bath will do the trick.